Brake Light vs. Tail Lights

Oh no, you have just realized that your brake lights don’t work. This is no good—not only is it dangerous to be driving around the Philadelphia area with no lights to signal when you are pushing your brakes, but you can also get pulled over and find yourself with a ticket.

Sometimes, your brake lights don’t work but the tail lights do—or vise versa. The first step in troubleshooting your rear lights is to learn about how they work. The system is not as complex as it may seem, and repairing a rear light that has gone out is quite an easy fix.

Though some people are great with maintaining their vehicles themselves and take a DIY approach to fixing problems in components like the rear lights, it is always best to have a professional mechanic work on your vehicle. If you notice problems with your brake lights, rear tail light or any other type of brake problem, swing by Montgomeryville Nissan and let us fix your vehicle for you.

Take a picture of the back of your car and look at it while you are reading through this blog.

Here is a brief overview of your brake lights vs. your tail lights.

The Difference Between Brake Lights and Tail Lights

In many vehicles, the brake lights and the tail lights are located on the same globe. In other words, the same external covering is over both lights. Your vehicle’s might be a bit unique, with separate globes. Tail lights are engaged when the you turn on your headlights or when your parking brake is on, whereas the brake lights will light up immediately when you apply pressure to the brakes. On most vehicles, the tail lights are red and the brake lights are a more luminous red. Your rear lights also include back up lights, which are white.

Testing Your Rear Lights

It is very important that all vehicle owners check to make sure that every exterior light is working periodically. The easiest way to get this job done is to have a friend or family member stand outside of your car while you turn on the lights and have them let you know if they are all in good order.

To test your brake lights and tail lights, get in your vehicle and turn on the ignition switch. You do not have to actually crank your engine. First, check your tail lights by turning on your headlights. If working properly, they will come on simultaneously and glow red. Next, tap your brakes and have your partner verify that the brake light bulb is shining significantly brighter than your normal tail lights. If a light is not working, you may need to have the bulb changed.

Regular Maintenance on Your Vehicle

To keep your vehicle in good working order, you should follow a regular maintenance schedule that includes checking the brake and tail lights. If you are a driver in the areas of Doylestown, Lansdale, Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, stop by Montgomeryville Nissan and let us take care of your vehicle for you. Schedule your next brake appointment online with us today! We look forward to seeing you.